CALL US AT Many Parents Aren't Aware Of Early Assessments
Many parents don’t know that early assessment (7-8 years old) can make orthodontic care simpler and far less invasive. That’s because treatment can begin before growth is complete and permanent teeth move in.
Dr. Antosz and Dr. Vincelli know through their decades of practice, working with growth can correct many orthodontic problems before they require complex treatment. Treating kids early at our orthodontist offices in Calgary and Canmore is the first step to support the growth and development of healthy smiles.
Growth correction can prevent the need for jaw surgery. Extraction of permanent teeth can be avoided in many cases. The key is early assessment (7-8 years old) so that care can be delivered at the optimal time.
Braces For Kids
What is early orthodontic treatment?
There are many circumstances where relatively minor treatment at a younger age (before growth is complete and permanent teeth are in) can make any future orthodontic care simpler and far less invasive.
How do I know if my child needs early orthodontic treatment?
Not all children are candidates for early orthodontic treatment; there are some cases that are best left until the child is older.
Our exam process will give us the chance to determine the optimal time to begin treatment, as well as give you a chance to learn about treatment options, including Invisalign®, an alternative to braces.
When should I bring my child in to visit an orthodontist?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be screened for orthodontic problems by the age of 7 years old. They may not need any treatment at that time, but early screening provides peace of mind. It can help head off difficult to treat problems later on.
Orthodontics & Its Role in Treating Health Problems
These common orthodontic problems can become big problems if not addressed. Whatever your orthodontic issues, we can customize a treatment plan to fit your child’s unique needs.
Crowding
One of the most prevalent orthodontic problems is teeth that are too crowded. These teeth are extremely difficult to clean, making them more prone to decay, even if good oral hygiene is practised.
Spaces in teeth
Overbites
This can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, as well as excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. The stress on supporting tissues might contribute to gum disease and possibly lead to the loss of teeth.
Underbite
An underbite is a term for a dental condition characterized by lower teeth that extend outward farther than the upper front teeth. Severe cases of underbite may cause difficulty biting and chewing food, challenges with speaking, and mouth and face pain due to the misalignment of the jaw.
Crossbite
A crossbite is a misalignment of teeth, usually where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. This misalignment can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth. If not corrected, a crossbite can wear down the enamel of the tooth as the jaw shifts to the side.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea can happen when the airway is obstructed by any or all of tonsils, adenoids, nasal obstruction, and tongue (not enough room because of narrow or receded jaws). At night, the body has to “fight” to get air in past the obstructions. Cortisol, a stress hormone, is produced to create the fight to breathe.
Sleep apnea may cause long-term high levels of cortisol which may have negative effects. It can happen at all ages.
In children, sleep apnea can have adverse long-term effects.
- growth problems and “failure to thrive”
- attention deficit and learning issues
- “acting out” behaviours such as aggression and hyperactivity
- altered immune response leading to conditions such as asthma
- gastric esophageal reflux disease
- bed wetting, sleepwalking and night terrors
- long-term cardiovascular problems
- hyperactivity and attention problems in children as young as 3 may be due to sleep-disordered breathing and should be evaluated early to prevent longer-lasting issues
Sleep Apnea and symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing can be helped with orthodontic treatment.
Our orthodontists in Calgary and Canmore, Alberta can help correct misaligned teeth and jaws to allow for easier breathing during sleeping. If you think your child may have sleep apnea, please bring them in for an orthodontic consultation today.
Market Mall Office
Suite 406, 4935 – 40th Ave NW
Calgary AB, Canada
Aspen Glen Landing
#215 333 Aspen Glen Landing SW
Calgary AB, Canada
587-355-8772
aspen@avortho.ca
Canmore Alberta
#127 701 Benchlands Trail
Canmore AB, Canada
587-355-8772
canmore@avortho.ca